The US says that “the only oil that leaves Venezuela will be the one that is duly coordinated and legally authorized”
The United States seized another sanctioned oil ship in the Caribbean Sea this Tuesday, January 20, that country’s Southern Command announced on social media, as the armed forces continue what President Donald Trump has called a “blockade” of sanctioned ships transporting oil from Venezuela.
The boarding of the tanker, named “Motor Vessel Sagitta,” brought the total to seven ships seized in the ongoing campaign called Joint Task Force Southern Spear that is being carried out by the United States military together with the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.
“The seizure of another oil tanker operating in defiance of the quarantine established by President Trump of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean demonstrates our determination to ensure that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be that which is properly coordinated and legally authorized,” published the US Southern Command. in X.
Through #OpSouthernSpearthe @DeptofWar is unwavering in its mission to crush illicit activity in the Western Hemisphere in partnership with @USCG, @DHSgov and @TheJusticeDept.
This morning, US military forces, in support of the Department of Homeland Security, apprehended… pic.twitter.com/UPADtiw681
— US Southern Command (@Southcom) January 20, 2026
The campaign against the sanctioned oil tankers began before the US military operation that extracted Nicolás Maduro from Caracas in the early hours of January 3 and brought him to New York, where he faces drug trafficking charges, but has continued after the attack, as Trump continues to highlight plans for US control of Venezuela’s oil production.
*Read also: Trump says he could “involve” María Corina Machado in the future of Venezuela
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